XOM Exxon Mobil Corp

ExxonMobil Chemical has introduced a new specialty elastomer that complies with the leading regulations for potable water contact in Europe. Designed for cold and warm (up to 60 degrees C/140 degrees F) water contact applications, Santoprene� TPE XF241-80EU meets the potable water regulations of France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Compliance with the NSF regulations in the United States is being pursued, while countries in Asia and Oceania tend to follow European and UK regulations respectively. Typical applications for this developmental grade include: home plumbing such as faucets, seals, shower and riser tubes; gaskets for laundry and dishwashers; lids and tubing for household food appliances; and industrial hoses for water, soft drinks and dairy products, spas and swimming pools. �There has been increasing demand from customers for a flexible material for use in potable water applications that complies with all major European regulations,� said Sybill Kraemer, global market segment manager, Santoprene brand TPVs. �Because of its flexibility, products manufactured from this new TPE are easier to assemble than components made from polyethylene.� This new potable water grade is suitable for long-term sealing applications. Tests indicate that its excellent tensile strength and compression set out-perform those of SEBS-based TPEs compounds with similar flexibility. It also demonstrates excellent property retention after fluid and heat ageing in various media. This is particularly important in areas where different chemicals including fluorine and chlorine are added to the water. Water color, odor, and taste are unaffected by this elastomer. Processed using extrusion or injection molding, the specialty grade is compatible with other polymers including polyethylene and polypropylene. It has a clean off-white color and is fully recyclable. About ExxonMobil Chemical�s specialty elastomers ExxonMobil Chemical offers customers one of the industry's broadest portfolios of specialty elastomer products. This includes Santoprene� brand TPVs, Vistamaxx� specialty elastomers, Vistalon� EPDM (conventional and metallocene catalyst), Exxelor� modifiers, and Exact� plastomers. These products provide innovative elastomeric solutions combined with global support service in material selection, design, processing, and supply chain management, plastics technology, product quality and customer service with marketing operations around the world. For more information visit: www.exxonmobilchemical.com. Note to editors: 1. Vistamaxx, Vistalon, Exxelor and Exact are trademarks of ExxonMobil Chemical. Santoprene is a trademark of an Exxon Mobil Corporation affiliate. 2. The term "ExxonMobil Chemical" refers collectively to some or all of the companies affiliated with Exxon Mobil Corporation which have chemical manufacturing and/or marketing operations around the world.